A Capitol Fourth 2026 – America's 250th Anniversary Special

A Capitol Fourth in Washington, D.C., stands as America's official national birthday party, broadcast to millions of households globally via PBS and the American Forces Network from the historic West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

In an unexpected twist to kick off the nation's milestone Semiquincentennial weekend, the star-studded 46th annual television broadcast is taking place one night early, on Friday, July 3rd, 2026, from 8:00 to 9:30 PM ET, allowing the country to start the party a day early. Backed by the prestigious National Symphony Orchestra under top pops conductor Jack Everly, country music icon Trace Adkins headlines the television event, celebrating his 30th year in music by debuting his patriotic anthem "American Made."

While the city's traditional monuments framework hosts standard fireworks the following evening, this July 3rd television broadcast features an exclusive, record-breaking pyrotechnic finale launched directly over George Washington's historic Mount Vernon estate, marking the largest aerial display ever permitted at the first president's home.